How to Upload and Analyze Memory Dump Files on Windows 10

Learn how to upload and analyze memory dump files on Windows 10 using various methods and tools.

Memory dump files are created by Windows 10 when the system crashes due to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. These files contain useful information that can help you troubleshoot the cause of the problem. However, opening and analyzing these files can be challenging, especially if they are too large to attach or share online. In this article, we will show you how to upload and analyze memory dump files on Windows 10 using different methods and tools.

What are Memory Dump Files on Windows 10?

A memory dump file is a snapshot of the system memory at the time of the crash. It includes the stop code name and value, a list of the drivers loaded at the time of the error, kernel, processor, and process details, and other technical information. The file extension is .dmp, and the file size can vary depending on the type of dump file. There are three main types of dump files:

• Small memory dump: This is the smallest type of dump file, usually around 256 KB. It contains basic information about the crash, such as the stop code, the parameters, and the loaded drivers. It is stored in the %SystemRoot%\Minidump folder by default.
• Kernel memory dump: This is a larger type of dump file, usually around the size of the physical memory. It contains the kernel-mode memory image, which includes the kernel, the drivers, and the processes running in kernel mode. It is stored in the %SystemRoot%\Memory.dmp file by default.
• Complete memory dump: This is the largest type of dump file, usually around the size of the total memory. It contains the complete memory image, which includes the kernel, the drivers, the processes, and the user-mode memory. It is stored in the %SystemRoot%\Memory.dmp file by default.

You can change the type and location of the dump file in the System Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery > Settings > Write debugging information section.

How to Upload Memory Dump Files on Windows 10

If you want to share your memory dump files with someone else, such as an expert or a support agent, you need to upload them to an online service. However, some dump files can be very large, exceeding the size limit of most email or file-sharing services. In that case, you need to use a service that can handle large files, such as:

• WeTransfer: This is a free online service that allows you to send large files up to 2 GB per transfer. You can upload your dump file and generate a link that you can share with anyone. The file will be available for 7 days before being deleted. You can also use the paid version to send files up to 20 GB per transfer and keep them for longer.
• TransferNow: This is another free online service that allows you to send large files up to 200 GB per transfer. You can upload your dump file and send it by email or create a shareable link. The file will be available for up to 365 days before being deleted. You can also use the paid version to get more features and storage.
• Cloud storage: This is a more permanent and secure way to upload and store your dump files online. You can use popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Files.com to upload your dump file and share it with anyone. You can also encrypt your file before uploading it for extra protection. You will need to sign up for an account and pay for the storage space you need.

How to Analyze Memory Dump Files on Windows 10

Once you have uploaded your memory dump file, you can analyze it using various tools and methods. Here are some of the most common ones:

• WinDbg: This is an advanced tool from Microsoft that can debug kernel-mode and user-mode code, review processor registers, and analyze crash dumps. You can install it from the Microsoft Store and open your dump file with it. You can then use the !analyze -v command to get a detailed bug check analysis, which will show you the stop code, the parameters, the probable cause, and other information. You can also use other commands and features to explore the dump file further.
• BlueScreenView: This is a simpler tool from NirSoft that can scan your minidump files and display the basic information about the crash, such as the stop code, the parameters, the date and time, and the driver that caused the error. You can also view the details of the driver and the stack trace. You can download it from the NirSoft website and run it without installation.
• Online Analyzer: This is an online service that can analyze your dump file and generate a report. You can upload your dump file to the website and wait for the analysis to complete. You can then view the report, which will show you the stop code, the parameters, the probable cause, and other information. You can also download the report as a PDF file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How do I create a memory dump file manually?

Answer: You can create a memory dump file manually by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Scroll Lock+Scroll Lock. This will force a BSOD and generate a dump file according to your settings. However, this method may not work on some keyboards or systems. You can also use a registry tweak or a tool like NotMyFault to create a dump file manually.

Question: How do I view the stop code of a BSOD error?

Answer: You can view the stop code of a BSOD error on the blue screen itself, which will show you the name and the value of the error, such as SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (0x0000003B). You can also view the stop code in the Event Viewer, which will log the error under the System category with the Event ID 1001. You can also view the stop code in the memory dump file, which will contain the error information.

Question: How do I prevent BSOD errors on Windows 10?

Answer: You can prevent BSOD errors on Windows 10 by keeping your system updated, your drivers updated, your hardware compatible, your software compatible, your antivirus active, your disk clean, your registry clean, your memory error-free, and your system stable. You can also use various tools and methods to troubleshoot and fix BSOD errors, such as the Startup Repair, the System Restore, the Safe Mode, the SFC, the DISM, the CHKDSK, and the Memory Diagnostic.

Summary

Memory dump files are useful for troubleshooting BSOD errors on Windows 10, but they can be difficult to upload and analyze. In this article, we showed you how to upload and analyze memory dump files on Windows 10 using various methods and tools. We hope this article helped you understand and resolve your BSOD problems. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please use the methods and tools at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage or loss caused by following this article.